First case of corn stunt confirmed in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists have confirmed the first case of corn stunt in Missouri. The disease, which is transmitted by an insect, was found in southwest Missouri.
Elections, apocalypse, bourbon and more in Osher fall lineup
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drones, bourbon and apocalypse are among the many topics on offer this fall from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Missouri. A program of MU Extension, Osher@Mizzou provides affordable noncredit courses and other educational, cultural and social gatherings for adults age 50 and up, says Jennifer Erickson, educational director for Osher@Mizzou.
MU Extension highlights education, innovation at award-winning Soybean Festival
NORBORNE, Mo. – “Soy Much More for ’24!” rang true for this year’s Norborne Soybean Festival, Aug. 1-3 in Carroll County. For over 40 years, this festival has built civic pride, forged greater community bonds and celebrated the area’s number one industry – agriculture, said University of Missouri Extension engagement specialist Chelsea Corkins.
Stockpile tall fescue to save on labor, cost and time
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – Start stockpiling tall fescue in mid-August for healthier, more profitable cattle, says University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy Rusty Lee. Stockpiling fescue extends the grazing season and reduces the need to feed hay. “Winter feed costs are the cattle producer’s biggest single expense,” says Lee. The best way to reduce that expense is to let cattle graze longer and feed hay for a shorter…
Technology is focus of Aug. 27 MU Graves-Chapple field day
ROCK PORT, Mo. - Tours will focus on pest management, technology and crop management at the University of Missouri Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center’s 2024 field day. MU Extension specialists and others will present at this free event on Aug. 27.
How hair shedding scores can help select cattle for heat stress
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Selecting for cattle with heat tolerance can improve a producer’s profitability. An updated University of Missouri Extension publication, “Hair Shedding Scores: A Tool To Select Heat Tolerant Cattle,” explains how to score for hair shedding and seek lower scores for better heat tolerance. The publication is available for free download at https://extension.missouri.edu/g2014.
Enroll steers in the Missouri Steer Feedout by Oct. 10
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Adding value to a cow-calf operation is important to its sustainability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Proper outside large round bale storage reduces hay losses
STOCKTON, Mo. – “As hay season continues, I see a lot of large round hay bales being stored outside,” says University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist Patrick Davis. If hay is not stored properly outside, farmers can see significant dry matter and quality losses. Factors that contribute to these losses include:
What to do when wildlife treats your garden like a buffet
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Pest control is an important part of establishing an attractive garden. Insects, diseases and weeds are formidable foes, but the damage they inflict often pales compared to the destruction perpetrated by some of our four-legged “friends,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
How-to guide for buying a horse
Have you always wanted a horse but don’t know where to start? An updated University of Missouri Extension publication offers guidance. “Buying a Horse” is available for free download at https://extension.missouri.edu/g2835. “Purchasing a horse should be well planned and carefully thought out,” said Shawn Deering, MU Extension livestock specialist. For most people, a horse is a significant investment and should not be rushed.
MU study looks at poultry litter's impact on soybean yields
ROCK PORT, Mo. – A six-year study at the University of Missouri’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center in northwestern Missouri looked at the impact of poultry litter on soybean crops. “Poultry litter is increasingly being applied to row crops in northwest Missouri,” said MU Extension agronomy specialist Wayne Flanary, who conducted the research. “Manures such as litter are valuable because they add organic matter and…
Participants will learn land management practices at Sept. 7 workshop
PORTLAND, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and partners invite the public to a forest and wildlife management workshop on Sept. 7. The free event is 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bill and Margie Haag’s property in Callaway County near Portland, Mo.
Fall series highlights what ag lenders need to know in 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites lenders serving farmers and rural communities to “What Ag Lenders Need To Know in 2025.” The 44th annual seminar will be hosted in six locations across the state.
MU Mobile Sim offers lifesaving training at Hundley-Whaley field day
ALBANY, Mo. – A free Sept. 4 event at one of University of Missouri Extension’s education centers offers families an opportunity to learn critical lifesaving skills. “Farm families will have many interesting and exciting opportunities to learn skills that could save lives on the farm during the MU Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center’s 47th annual Farm, Field and Family Day,” says Jennifer Miller, director of the center.
Boxes for the Brave: 4-H volunteer event at the Missouri State Fair
SEDALIA, Mo. – Handmade thank you cards along with personal care products, snacks, energy drinks, socks, decks of playing cards and much more will be headed to 250 Missouri soldiers stationed overseas later this month thanks to 4-H’ers at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. As part of the Missouri State Fair’s Military Appreciation Day, Sunday, Aug. 11, Missouri 4-H will host a special Boxes for the Brave packing event in the 4-H…
First case of red crown rot confirmed in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish reports confirmation of red crown rot, a yield-robbing soybean disease, in Marion County in northeastern Missouri. This is the first confirmed incidence of the disease in the state. Bish says MU Extension specialists have been scouting for the pathogen since its confirmation in Illinois in 2018.
Federal disaster assistance available in southern Missouri
Households and businesses in southern Missouri affected by severe weather and flooding May 19-27 can apply for federal assistance, says Conne Burnham, University of Missouri Extension emergency management coordinator.
Brazilian farmers and crop consultants visit MU
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida and state soybean specialist Andre Reis hosted a group of influential farmers and crop consultants from Brazil on July 19-20 in Columbia. “The collaboration between Missouri and Brazilian soybean farmers is an ongoing one as each seeks to learn from the other to feed the world,” says Valmorbida.
Forages, tech, safety top MU Hundley-Whaley field day
ALBANY, Mo. – Those attending the Hundley-Whaley Farm, Field and Family Day can learn about a variety of topics including drones, current crop diseases, how to back up a gooseneck trailer and how to stop bleeding with a tourniquet. The free event, Sept. 4 at 1109 S. Birch St., Albany, promises an evening of interesting educational activities and a complimentary dinner, says Jennifer Miller, director of the University of Missouri…
Elevate your farmers market success
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 4-10, University of Missouri Extension has resources to help improve your local food systems awareness and polish your farmers market presence. Learn about local food systems Consumers are increasingly searching out healthy and safe food that supports their local community. Farmers can meet this demand by taking advantage of local food systems.
Management-intensive grazing school is Sept. 10-12 in Lamar
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Efficient forage management and utilization is important to the profitability of a livestock operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis says best way to promote efficient forage management and utilization in a livestock operation is by incorporating management-intensive grazing practices.
Applications open for Laclede County 4-H, FFA youth awards
LEBANON, Mo. – The Laclede County Commission Agriconomy Week in September will honor selected Laclede County 4-H and FFA youths during the annual 4-H Award Recognition Banquet. Scholarship recipients also will be announced as well during that event, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, at Wall Street Cattle Co. in Lebanon.
Tour of apple orchard focuses on food safety
MEXICO, Mo. – Learn about produce safety and agritourism at a tour of Hickory Ridge Orchards in Mexico, Mo., 1-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9. University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Farmers Union sponsor the event. This tour will highlight ways in which produce safety best practices are integrated into crop production, U-pick operations, worker training and farm management plans.
Garden 'n Grow grows business for small town
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – More than 20 years ago, 8-year-old Casey Jefferson Coy enrolled in the Garden ’n Grow program in Kirksville at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Adair County. Little did she know that the summer-long program would lead her to decades of employment and enjoyment.
Webinar series on tree crops begins in September
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. – This fall, University of Missouri Extension offers a six-session webinar series, “Growing Tree Fruit, Nut Crops and Syrup Trees.” The weekly series begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, and runs 6:30-8 p.m.